Food item recalls are a wake-up call when some of the risks in our groceries come into perspective. A big food recall recently involved Boar’s Head deli meats due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that could cause a severe infection. If you are into delicatessen meats, or just happen to have them in your fridge, this recall will be a critical health interest for you and your family. Herein follows a short guide on literally everything you need to know about the current recall, the risk of Listeria, and what you should do in case of have any of the recalled products.
Table of Contents:
- What Is Listeria and Why Is It Dangerous?
- The Recent Recall of Boar’s Head Deli Meats
- How to Identify the Recalled Products
- What to Do If You Have Recalled Products
- How to Protect Yourself and Your Family from Listeria
- The Impact of Recalls on Consumers
- Conclusion
What Is Listeria and Why Is It Dangerous?
The bacteria Listeria monocytogenes can cause an infection called listeriosis, which is rather uncommon but can be deadly and almost always due to eating contaminated food. While these infections are relatively rare, they are potentially very serious because the bacteria can survive and even grow in cold environments, like in your refrigerator. This makes it a real threat regarding food that requires refrigeration, like deli meats, cheeses, and salads.
Symptoms can be anything from mild to severe: fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. In more serious forms, the infection can spread to the nervous system, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. The risk is high in pregnant women, newborn babies, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems; listeriosis can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, or life-threatening conditions.
The Recent Recall of Boar’s Head Deli Meats
There has recently been a recall for several varieties of Boar’s Head deli meats. These products are being recalled due to concerns that they have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall occurred after routine testing from the U.S.D.A. revealed traces of the bacteria in samples that were taken from the meat. Although there have not been any reported illnesses yet, the recall is one that is corroborative in nature – one that pertains to preventing any potential outbreaks.
Specific types of deli meats recalled include:
- Boar’s Head Ovengold Roasted Turkey Breast
- Boar’s Head Maple Glazed Honey Coat Ham
- Boar’s Head EverRoast Chicken Breast
- Boar’s Head All American BBQ Chicken Breast
The distribution of the products happened in several states through grocery stores. Some of the products may still be inside refrigerators at customers’ homes.
How to Identify the Recalled Products
It’s time now to check your refrigerator and those recently bought deli meats to ensure you don’t have a product that puts you at risk. Here’s how you can identify the recalled products:
(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
If you learn that you have purchased one of the recalled Boar’s Head deli meats, you need to take several important steps right away:
DO NOT CONSUME THE PRODUCT: Do not consume any deli meat that may be contaminated. Even if no one in your household appears ill, Listeria can be very serious.
SAFE DISPOSAL OF THE PRODUCT: Seal the product in a plastic bag and dispose in the trash. This will prevent any accidental consumption by pets or wildlife.
Clean and sanitize surfaces: Clean any surfaces that might have come into contact with the recalled deli meat, including your refrigerator, countertops, and cutting boards. Use a disinfectant effective against Listeria; it can survive in cold, moist environments.
Monitor for Symptoms: If you or anyone in your household is feeling unwell, experiencing fever, muscle ache, or gastrointestinal complaints, seek advice from a medical professional immediately.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family from Listeria
Here are steps you can take that will not only lessen the risk of Listeria but also other foodborne illnesses:
- Practice Safe Food Handling: Wash hands, utensils, and cutting boards after handling raw meats or other ready-to-eat foods such as deli meats.
- Store Foods Properly: Keep deli meats refrigerated at 40°F or below, and use them within three to five days from the date of purchase.
- Cook Foods Thoroughly: Ensure that all meats, particularly those with a higher risk for infection, are heated to an internal temperature considered safe before consumption.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check for announcements regarding food recalls from the most reliable sources USDA, FDA, and CDC-to stay updated on recent potential risks.
The Impact of Recalls on Consumers
Food recalls are usually a big nuisance, especially when they pertain to items commonly bought like cold cuts. The bottom line, however, is that recalls keep public health and safety in the balance. They avert the risks of outbreaks and life-threatening infections such as listeriosis. Monitoring of food products by consumers should be vigilantly kept so recall actions would prevent risk accordingly.
Conclusion
A recent recall of Boar’s Head deli meats possibly contaminated with Listeria is an important reminder about food safety and awareness. You can protect yourself and your family by learning what Listeria is, how to identify if a product has been recalled, and what you should do in case you have such products. Stay knowledgeable, practice good food hygiene, and always pay heed to recall notices for the safety of your food.